It wasn’t anywhere near as memorable as John Aloisi’s winning penalty against Uruguay in 2005, but it was a win.
It also wasn’t anywhere near as clinical as the 2010 round of qualification for South Africa, but substitute Josh Kennedy’s brilliant header in the 82nd minute was enough to send Australia through to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Amidst fears that their hopes would rest solely on Jordan defeating Oman later tonight, Kennedy – who was only introduced as a substitute minutes earlier – was the man to answer Australia’s prayers.
The likes of Tim Cahill and Robbie Kruse had tried and failed, but it would be the Victorian-born Kennedy who would have the final say – delivering on the biggest stage and at the most perfect of moments.
There will be no hiding the fact that despite their jubilation and incredible excitement, this was an otherwise disappointing performance from the Brazil-bound Socceroos.
It wasn’t that they couldn’t create chances (something that they still managed despite very sluggish conditions and driving rain); it was simply that they couldn’t take full advantage of those chances, as they continued to be plagued by the same problems that have cost them so many times before.
Australia’s World Cup hero from 2006, Tim Cahill, got the Socceroos’ attack underway in the opening minutes with a clean shot on goal, but it was quickly parried away. Defender Sasa Ogneovski’s header flew over the bar soon after, and while an early goal hadn’t been forthcoming for Australia, it seemed only a matter of time before they broke through the Iraqi defense.
However, it seemed that the visitors – who were playing over 10,000 kilometres away from home – had other ideas.
Led by Ali Adnan, the Lions of Mesopotamia continued to repel whatever attacking raids the Socceroos managed to put together, and after heading into the half-time interval with a clean sheet, seemed like they could well pull off a staggering result.
And so it seemed as the second half wore on.
Despite having the home ground advantage and being up against a team barely ranked inside the top 100 in the world, Australia could not break through for the goal they so desperately desired. Tommy Oar, Marco Bresciano, Cahill and Kruse desperately to find a way, but there was none forthcoming for the home side.
Until Kennedy entered the fray, that is.
The 30-year-old might have been a baffling substitute having taken the place of Australia’s best attacking option in Cahill. Certainly, fans around Australia expressed their disbelief. Cahill himself was in disbelief.
However, there would be no qualms about the decision after the man they call ‘Jesus’ lived up to his nickname completely – answering the prayers of millions of Australians and sending an already sports-crazed nation into frenzied celebrations.
He’d seemingly sent Australia a third successive World Cup berth.
The final moments were as tense as they were joyful.
Iraq would attack, but with each defensive stand, the home side grew in confidence. With each interception or tackle, the home fans would grow louder and, perhaps most importantly, the final whistle would creep loser until it would ring out one final time at the former Olympic Stadium to the loudest of receptions.
It was far from perfect, but it was complete.
Holger Osieck will know that on tonight’s performance, Australia are still a long away from being World Cup-ready. They once again struggled to connect in the final third, their finishing left a lot to be desired and their impatience got the better of them in attack. And against the likes of Spain, Germany and the home side Brazil, they know that a similar performance will leave them with nothing other than a quick exit from the tournament.
However, he’ll know as well that those problems are for another night. For tonight, amidst the mud and rain of Sydney, Australia, the biggest story is about the Socceroos’ successful World Cup qualification.
And for once, it is the destination – not the journey – that matters most.
[roar_cat_gal]
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Is it possible for Youseff Hersi to get residency in time for Rio ?
Cameron
Roar Guru
HOLY Sugar Honey Iced Tea.... That is phenominal. Is that a record for Fox or something???
AZ_RBB
Guest
additional 406k watched in regional areas. bringing the total to 2.072 million nationally! and lets not forget the 80k at the stadium :D
AZ_RBB
Guest
549k from Fox+ 1117k from SBS= 1.666 million viewers last night words don't describe how huge 549k is for Fox
Jukes
Guest
Kruse is a dud Holman is rubbish Holger is a hero Something is wrong with those statements. Kruse has emerged as our best player over the last 12-18 months. He might not have had his greatest game but he certainly wasnt a dud. Everyone is allowed to have an off game. The same thing can be said of Holman, his performances in the previous two games were solid so you can hardly say he is Rubbish. As much as he would like to play for 90 minutes, he simply cant because he is getting limited game time at West Ham and lacks match fitness. As for Holger I thought he made brave substitutions, ones that I would never have made. It might have been pure luck or genius on his part. I am still deciding on that one.
j binnie
Guest
Kellett- Usually if you look into the history of the game,a team,or a player, you will find something to build on. In the last 3 matches Australia has played some nice football,but usually only up to a point. Against Japan,away from home,they defended well and were just a bit lucky in scoring and unlucky in conceding,but a draw was acceptable on the night.Against Jordan,at home they again struggled for an hour,the left flank just not working and only 1 goal,scored by a midfielder,to show for their effort. A substitution and 3 goals followed in quick succession,from the striker,a winger, and a centre back.Last night we were back to the same starting eleven but it was obvious the left winger Oar,had been lectured to and his game changed dramatically for by cutting inside (as Thompson had done) and creating space he and Mackay set up some nice plays which ended, in the words of the Fox pundit, "mundane crosses". Why is a cross from a wing "mundane"?. Simple answer,there is no target to aim for.That brings us to the "balance" in this team. First of all better football brains than I have decided Tim Cahill is not a target man for a cross,At Everton he played off the central striker and by finding spaces where he was not expected he would use his aerial prowess to good use for he was not double marked by defenders whose job it is to simply clear a ball out of the danger area.So with Tim playing there crosses became "mundane". Kennedy arrives and within minutes a deft chip by Bresc. is despatched to the net. Not a "mundane" chip obviously. So the problem is how to score more goals Answer - Get men into positions who can ,and will score goals when supplied.After watching these 3 matches I would like to see Kennedy AND Cahill start together with Tim in his usual role coming in to link with the taller target man.With Bresc, chipping away in midfield and the wingers alternating their play by staying wide or alternately cutting in any defence would be put under extreme pressure and that usually means more goals. Holger's substitutions????? Not marvellous,just necessary, for we had to score,and to put on a recognised goalscorer should have come as no surprise,he had everything to gain and nothing to lose (except a place in Brazil). No choice at all. Cheers jb
Cameron
Roar Guru
You're most likely dread right... So give up! I don't settle.for mediocrity and a C+. I want more and HO.has not shown that..3 good games does not count for an assessment of the national job. Get realistic. We just qualified... That's it. And only just! HO has made an abundance full of questionable decisions, decisions he's never really been able to answer for. What do you even care if we apologise or not. We made it. Is it the coach who wants or needs one or just you and others to boost their ego?? I'll go for the latter.
Top Secret
Roar Pro
Tommy Oar was excellent. Robbie Kruse takes the wrong option too many times and the attack ends with him far too often. He is a dud. Brett Holman is rubbish. The attack looked so much more dangerous when Rogic came on for Holman. The hero however was Holgar. He made a big call bringing on Kennedy for Cahill. If it failed the critics would have been getting stuck into them. Now lets see if these armchair critics apologise and admit they were wrong. I have no doubt they wont.